False dichotomy between B.Sc, HND holders and NBTE’s questionable solution
The ongoing debate in Nigeria surrounding the dichotomy between university degree holders and Higher National Diploma (HND) holders has reached a critical juncture.
It is imperative for the country to shift its focus towards producing highly productive graduates, rather than perpetuating this divisive distinction.
However, the proposed top-up measures to address this issue seem both ludicrous and unlikely to provide an effective solution.
Recently, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) reportedly introduced a one-year online top-up program, in collaboration with foreign accredited universities, to convert HND certificates into Bachelor’s degrees. While this initiative may appear promising, several concerns need to be addressed before its implementation.
Firstly, there is a potential conflict of interest between the NBTE and the National Universities Commission (NUC). It is essential to ensure that the NBTE does not encroach upon the powers and functions of the NUC, as this could undermine the credibility of the proposed program.
Additionally, it is puzzling why foreign accredited universities are being considered when there are reputable institutions within the country that could fulfill this role. This raises questions about the cost implications, particularly for candidates who may struggle to afford the suggested fee of N650,000 for the program.
In light of these concerns, it is crucial for the 10th National Assembly, particularly the House Committee on Education, to play an active role in this matter. They should thoroughly examine the proposed program and its potential implications, ensuring that it aligns with the country’s educational objectives and addresses the needs of the students.
According to Professor Idris Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of the NBTE, the program will commence by uploading the contents of accredited HND programs into a software. This will enable the identification of corresponding B.Sc. contents from foreign universities, highlighting the gaps that need to be bridged.
This process, referred to as “credit mapping,” will determine the specific courses that HND holders must complete to meet the requirements of university degree holders.While the intention behind this program may be commendable, it is essential to critically evaluate its feasibility and potential impact.
Resting the dichotomy between university degree and HND holders is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive and inclusive approach.
It is crucial to prioritise the production of graduates with high productivity, rather than merely focusing on the conversion of certificates.
The 10th National Assembly, specifically the House Committee on Education, has a crucial role to play in closely examining this initiative to ensure that it aligns with the educational objectives of the country and benefits all parties involved. Bugaje further clarified that this arrangement is being implemented to prevent HND holders from being left behind in terms of career progression.
This ‘top-up’ development appears to be an additional effort to address the disparity between university degree and HND holders in Nigeria. For example, in 2017, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Interior, mandated that entry levels for both degree and HND holders should be at grade level 8, particularly in all paramilitary services.
However, it is important to note that HND holders are unable to advance beyond level 14 or 15 without obtaining additional qualifications, such as a Master’s degree, while a degree holder can rise to level 17, which is equivalent to the Permanent Secretary cadre.
To tackle this issue, the National Assembly passed the “Bill for an Act to abolish and prohibit dichotomy and discrimination between degree and HND holders in the same profession for the purpose of employment, and for related matters” in 2021.
Unfortunately, despite repeated appeals by stakeholders, the former president did not sign the bill before leaving office on May 29 of this year.
The recent shift in the mandate of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) towards the National Universities Commission (NUC) is a cause for concern.
The NBTE’s role is to oversee technical education in Nigeria, while the NUC is responsible for university education. It is puzzling why the NBTE would be involved in collaborating with a foreign university on university education for Nigerians.
This decision seems illogical, especially when there are several Nigerian universities that already offer top-up programs. Moreover, it is crucial to consider the economic feasibility of any solution to the dichotomy between university degree and Higher National Diploma (HND) holders in Nigeria.
The Mewar International University’s top-up program, for example, has a high application fee of N50,000 and school fees starting from N650,000, which may be unaffordable for many prospective students given the country’s economic realities.
Therefore, it is inappropriate to engage a foreign institution to run the top-up program.
Additionally, the introduction of a top-up program may hinder the progress towards obtaining presidential assent to the “bill for an Act to abolish and prohibit dichotomy and discrimination between degree and HND holders.”
This could potentially demoralise many HND holders who have been advocating for equal recognition.
The attempt to blur the distinction between BSc and HND qualifications is misguided, as it places too much emphasis on credentials rather than competence and productivity on the job.
HND holders are meant to fill the middle level manpower and technical needs of the country, which is why polytechnics were established. The niche for polytechnic education is technological and technical manpower development, with the Ordinary National Diploma (OND) certification being a key component.
It is important to note that entry qualifications into universities and polytechnics are different, and students choose to study in one or the other. The focus should be on attaining technological breakthroughs and producing innovators and technology giants, rather than on credentials. Competence, performance, and delivery of quality service should be the determinants for career progression, not just certificates.
Private and public sector employers should not limit the career progression of HND holders or tie job retention to their certificates. Experience, competence, and capacity should be the determining factors.
The use of certificates as a basis for career progression and job retention promotes meritocracy, not mediocrity. In more developed countries, there is no discrimination against holders of both certificates.
Policy change is necessary to position polytechnic graduates for competitive self-fulfillment alongside their university counterparts. This should be the priority of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Hence, it is important to be focused as a nation and be more strategic, coordinated and methodical; not rudderless in the search for solution for the dichotomy between university degree and HND holders because polytechnic graduates do not need a ’top-up’ programme to compete on the job.
